My relatives recently gave us a lot of cordyceps, but we couldn't finish them in a short time. However, I'm worried about wasting them if they expire and become inedible. So, I would like to ask how long is the shelf life of cordyceps?
How long is the shelf life of cordyceps?
It is around 3 years.
For Chinese medicinal herbs, generally, herbal plants can be stored for about 2 years; woody plants have a shelf life of about 4 years, and mineral plants can last for about 10 years. Cordyceps is a parasitic plant, and its shelf life is related to the degree of drying. The more moisture it contains, the shorter the shelf life. Under normal circumstances, if cordyceps is well dried and properly stored, it can usually be stored for about 3 years or even longer.
How to determine if cordyceps is expired?
1. Observe the color
Generally, unprocessed cordyceps appear dark brown or grayish-brown, while processed cordyceps are black and slightly sticky to the touch. If cordyceps has expired, there may be green or white mold spots on the surface, and it may even grow white hair or insects.
2. Smell the odor
Fresh cordyceps have a mild odor. If cordyceps smells moldy, it indicates that it has expired.
Can expired cordyceps still be consumed?
It is not recommended to consume moldy cordyceps.
For cordyceps, expiration means it has become moldy or infested with insects. Such cordyceps are generally not recommended for consumption because moldy food can produce various harmful substances that can not only fail to achieve the desired medicinal effects but also damage the liver, gastrointestinal tract, and even the respiratory system, affecting human health.
How to store cordyceps?
Cordyceps is prone to mold and insect infestation, so it should be stored in a dry and ventilated place to prevent mold and insects. The specific storage methods are as follows:
1. Store in a ventilated area. After sealing cordyceps in a plastic bag, place it in a dry and ventilated place to avoid moisture and direct sunlight.
2. Refrigerator storage. Steam cordyceps over water, let it dry, seal it in a plastic bag to prevent moisture from entering, then place it in a glass jar and cover it, and store it in the refrigerator.
How to select cordyceps?
Due to the high medicinal value of cordyceps and the difficulty in cultivation, there are many counterfeit cordyceps on the market. Cordyceps usually comes in two types: light cordyceps and salty cordyceps. Good quality light cordyceps are characterized by large size, plump body, fine scales, grayish-brown to blackish-brown color, and high oil content with soft stems. Good quality salty cordyceps are characterized by dark color, sticky texture, coarse scales, and round and flat shape. Inferior cordyceps have less oil content and harder texture.
